Santa Barbara, CA. Wednesday, March 28, 18 – Each year the Lobero Theatre Associates tip their hat to an important name in the performing arts with their annual Hats Off fundraiser in support of the Lobero Theatre. This year, the Associates will honor one of the most successful and celebrated songwriters of the modern era, Jeff Barry, in a special evening at El Paseo Restaurant on May 2 at 6 PM.

It is said that at any given time, somewhere in the world, someone is playing or singing a Jeff Barry song. While you may not know Jeff Barry by name, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with his extensive body of work.

Jeff Barry is the musical mind behind chart-topping hits across many genres. His string of classic, timeless hits include: “Tell Laura I Love Her,” “Chapel of Love,” “Be My Baby,” “Doo Wah Ditty,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” “Sugar Sugar,” “And Then He Kissed Me,” “Da Do Run Run,” and “The Leader Of The Pack,” among many others. His songs have been recorded by an endless list and wide variety of artists, such as Celine Dion, U2, Percy Sledge, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, The Beach Boys, Glenn Campbell, Mariah Carey, Sam Cook and Johnny Mathis.

Mr. Barry was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Rolling Stone Magazine has proclaimed him to be #19 in their “Top 100 Songwriters of All Time” list, and #3 of non-artist writers. He has also been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the L. A. Weekly and the National Academy of Songwriters, and enjoyed several GRAMMY® Award nominations. In 2000, the PBS Television Network presented a special on his career, entitled Chapel of Love: Jeff Barry and Friends.

Mr. Barry is currently writing songs for and developing artists, as well as developing series for television, feature films, and the musical Ruthless People, based on the film of the same name. He continues to perform his songs for various charitable organizations.

Special Thanks to this year’s Hats Off co-chairs, Joan Crossland and Janet McCann.

HATS OFF

Hats Off is the Lobero Theatre Associates’ signature fundraising event that raises needed funds for the Lobero Theatre while honoring a significant presence in the arts. Over the years, the Lobero Theatre Associates’ hard work and dedication have given the Lobero a beautiful courtyard and Steinway Grand piano, and they actively support Lobero youth programs, bringing thousands of students to the theatre each year.

THE LOBERO THEATRE ASSOCIATES

The Lobero Theatre Associates have been committed advocates of the Lobero Theatre for over 40 years, contributing over $1 million to ensure the Lobero Theatre remains a vital and enduring home for the arts in Santa Barbara. By purchasing a ticket, or becoming a sponsor of this year’s Hats Off Luncheon, attendees will help the Associates once again reach their fundraising goal in support of the Lobero Theatre.

The Lobero Theatre is California’s oldest, continuously operating theatre. Originally founded in 1873 and rebuilt in 1924, it is recognized as one of Santa Barbara’s architectural jewels and a California and Santa Barbara landmark. In 1972, The Lobero Theatre Associates was founded to support the Lobero Theatre Foundation.